Have you ever felt dissatisfied with the care you receive from your primary care physician?
Do you wish you could have more time with your doctor and more personalized attention?
If so, you may be wondering if switching to concierge medicine near me is right for you.
What is a concierge doctor? A concierge doctor offers personalized care and attention for an annual fee or retainer.
Unlike a traditional primary care physician, concierge doctors limit their patient panels to allow for longer visits and more accessibility.
Consider a concierge doctor if:
- You want a longer doctor’s visit. Concierge practices offer visits lasting 30 minutes or longer compared to the national average of only 7-15 minutes with a traditional primary care doctor.
- You require coordinated care. Concierge doctors act like a medical quarterback and coordinate care between specialists.
- You have a complex medical history. The extra time allows concierge doctors to take a more holistic view.
- You need access for same-day appointments. Concierge practices offer much greater flexibility and access.
- You want personalized care management. Concierge doctors can provide detailed wellness plans and ongoing health coaching.
You can also experience enhanced care management for chronic issues like:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Arthritis
- Thyroid disorders
How much does concierge medicine cost?
The annual fees for concierge medicine range vastly depending on location, services offered, insurance acceptance, and whether Medicare is taken.
According to research by Symphony Health, the average annual costs break down as:
- Primary care only: $1,800 per year
- Primary care + some specialty care: $3,000 per year
- Comprehensive conierge care: $5,500+ per year
Many concierge doctors accept Medicare and private insurance in addition to concierge fees.
Be sure to understand what exactly the membership includes versus what will still require co-pays or other out-of-pocket expenses.
| Range of Costs | $500 – $25,000+ per year |
| Average Cost | $1,800 – $5,500 per year |
When researching practices in your area, inquire about pricing options. Many offer different tiers based on factors like:
- Number of visits included
- Length of visits
- Same-day appointment availability
- After-hours or cell phone access
- Coordination with specialists
- Onsite services like testing
Is the investment in a concierge physician worth it?
While concierge medicine requires considerable fees upfront, you may save money in the long run if it:
- Lessens your need for ER visits or urgent care
- Provides better preventative care upfront
- Reduces your need for specialists
You can also calculate potential savings in terms of time and frustration like:
- Less time off work for appointments
- Shorter wait times at the doctor’s office
- Eliminated paperwork hassles
- Improved coordination of prescriptions
Think through what your needs are and whether a concierge doctor could alleviate pain points in your current care. Those dealing with a chronic condition may especially benefit.
How to find concierge medicine practices near me?
If you decide concierge medicine fits your healthcare needs and budget, the next step is identifying practices in your area.
An easy way is to search online for “concierge doctors near me” or “concierge medicine near me.” You can also try “direct primary care near me” since some practices position themselves as direct care rather than concierge care.
Once you compile a list of potential matches, vet a few practices closely before deciding. Here are crucial questions to have answered:
- What medical services are included? Primary care only or some specialty care too?
- What is the physician’s background, medical philosophy, and areas of focus?
- How many patients are paneled per doctor?
- What are the fees, payment options, and refund policies? Hidden fees?
- Is Medicare or health insurance accepted? If so, what out-of-pocket costs remain?
- What is the appointment availability and wait times?
You can also leverage patient reviews from sites like Yelp or directly from the practice’s website. Reach out to current members if possible.
Decide if concierge primary care is the right model for you
Concierge medicine offers highly personalized care and attention for those willing and able to pay annual fees ranging from $1,800 to $5,500+ per year.
For the right patient, the investment can provide benefits like longer doctor’s visits, coordinated specialists, and access to same-day appointments.
Carefully analyze your healthcare needs and budget to decide if switching to concierge care nearby could be worthwhile for you.
If the upfront cost works out and a concierge doctor would resolve frustrations with your existing care, then concierge medicine may very well be worth consideration.
